Mast cells are associated with diseases like allergies, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. They can cause inflammation in various systems of the body, and allergic reactions can be triggered by various allergens. Irritable bowel syndrome may also be associated with mast cells.
There are several diseases and conditions associated with mast cells, including allergies and arthritis. Mast cells are found in everyone’s body and typically act to fend off invaders as part of the immune system. Those with diseases involving these cells may develop an autoimmune disease, which is when the cells attack the body itself. Allergies are also caused by mast cell disorders, because they cause a strong immune response against things that pose no threat.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common diseases associated with mast cells. It causes swelling, stiffness, and sometimes debilitating pain in the joints. This occurs because the body begins to attack the cartilage that lines the joints. Other autoimmune diseases can also occur due to an overproduction of mast cells, which can cause inflammation in nearly every system in the body.
Allergic reactions are another type of disease associated with mast cells. These occur when the immune system recognizes a foreign threat, even when there isn’t one. Other times the threat is real, but the immune system responds much stronger than necessary. This is what leads to itchy eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing and congestion associated with allergies. Other symptoms are hives, rash, itching, trouble breathing, dizziness and swelling.
Allergy triggers vary, and each person can be allergic to something different. Mold, mildew, pollen, dust mites, shellfish and tree nuts are all common allergens. Even those who have not previously had allergy symptoms may begin to have them, and those who have had them throughout their lives may develop new ones. Treatments are available to reduce symptoms or to reduce the immune response altogether.
Other diseases caused by mast cells can cause inflammation in the body’s organs and other systems. An example of this is lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation. Many of these disorders are not fully understood and their diagnosis is usually made by a process of ruling out other conditions.
Irritable bowel syndrome is another little-known condition that can be associated with mast cells. It is characterized by long-term digestive disorders. Symptoms may include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, alternating between diarrhea and constipation, heartburn, and severe abdominal pain. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes this condition, although it could be that the immune system is attacking the digestive tract. Diet and sometimes medications often relieve symptoms.
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